Fr Alex Swain

Beloved in Christ,

Today we observe the Feast of St. Andrew, and as the Vicar of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Tucson, I have a particular appreciation for the witness of the Apostle Andrew.

St. Andrew’s Feast is technically on November 30, but as that was the First Sunday of Advent, and Saints feast days cannot take precedence over Sundays in Advent and Lent, and Easter (see BCP p. 16 for more fun about the calendar).

So we celebrate his feast today.

In today’s Gospel, we see Andrew is a disciple of St. John the Baptizer. John announces Jesus’ coming, “Look, here is the Lamb of God!” and immediately Andrew and another disciple follow Him.

Andrew then goes to tell his brother, Peter (who is a very big deal in Christian history), “We have found the Messiah!” and Andrew brings Peter to Jesus.

Andrew displays two hallmark characteristics here: First, he rapidly responds to Christ’s presence, to the call of Christ.

And, Andrew may be the first missionary and evangelist (and perhaps, I think, the first Apostle to recognize Jesus as the Messiah).

Without Andrew, Peter wouldn’t have come to meet Jesus! But because of Andrew’s invitation and willingness to invite others, the history of the world is profoundly changed.

Like Andrew, we strive to respond to the call of Christ in our lives. We may not often do so with the alacrity Andrew so readily displays, but it is something that we as Christians ought to strive for.

We train our spiritual muscles through the disciplines of prayer and contemplation, through Holy Eucharist, through learning to listen for the will of God in our lives and subsequently responding.

Like Andrew, we strive to create an environment of deep welcome and invitation. Where in your life has Jesus made a substantial impact? And how have you gone out and told the world about this wonderful impact that Christ has had on your life?

Often, we Episcopalians are quite hesitant to “evangelize.” But if God is a source of great joy for us, how much more ought we to spread the good news?

And, when we notice someone unfamiliar at Saint Philip’s, we honor the invitation and welcome of the Apostles by greeting them, saying hello, and introducing them to others.

Saint Andrew, pray for us to the Lord our God!

Yours in Christ,

—Fr Alex